BREAKING:Just days ahead of Imola GP, Ferrari has been labelled the ‘most disappointing… read more
Just days before the much-anticipated Imola Grand Prix, Ferrari has found itself under a harsh spotlight. Once seen as a formidable title contender for the 2025 Formula 1 season, the iconic Italian team has been labeled the “most disappointing team” by former F1 driver and current analyst, Jolyon Palmer. This sharp critique comes at an unfortunate time, with the Scuderia heading into their home race at Imola under immense scrutiny.
Ferrari’s performance over the first six races of the 2025 season has fallen significantly short of expectations. Despite strong momentum from the 2024 season—where they clinched second place in the Constructors’ Championship and pushed McLaren to their limits—the team has managed to accumulate just 94 points so far this year. This meager tally places them fourth in the Constructors’ standings, trailing not only their main rivals but also failing to outperform individual drivers like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, each of whom has scored more points on their own than Ferrari’s entire team.
The season started with great anticipation following the high-profile signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The move was expected to usher in a new era of competitiveness and success for the Prancing Horse. There was a brief glimpse of promise during the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, where Hamilton clinched a win, and Charles Leclerc secured a podium finish earlier in Saudi Arabia. However, those moments have been rare flashes in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
Jolyon Palmer expressed his disappointment in Ferrari’s 2025 season while speaking to F1.com. He remarked that the team’s struggles are surprising given their strong finish to the previous year and the addition of a driver of Hamilton’s caliber. According to Palmer, the team should have been in contention for victories regularly, but they’ve fallen short of their potential.
Palmer attributes a significant part of the team’s woes to the handling characteristics of their current car, the SF-24. Specifically, he points to a persistent issue with rear instability—an unsettling trait that has particularly affected Hamilton’s performance. The British driver, known for his aggressive approach and high corner-entry speeds, is reportedly struggling to find confidence in the car. Palmer noted that the rear-end instability is reminiscent of the issues Hamilton faced during his final season at Mercedes, suggesting that the underlying problem has followed him to Ferrari.
In Melbourne, Hamilton was seen trying to adapt his driving style in hopes of improving his performance, further highlighting the car’s unpredictability. With such high expectations going unfulfilled, pressure is mounting on team principal Fred Vasseur to steer the team back on course as they prepare for one of the most crucial races of the season on home soil.
